The Bucs' special-teams practice this morning featured a smallish group, indicating the Bucs have made their final cuts.

Among the Bucs already released is quarterback Rudy Carpenter, who according to his agent, Steve Feldman, was released and offered a spot on the practice squad if he clears waivers. Carpenter hasn't given the Bucs an answer yet as there are other clubs who have expressed interest in adding him to their practice squads. The Bucs indicated to Carpenter they were going to go with just two quarterbacks on the roster, as expected.

At this morning's practice, there was no sign of several players who were on the bubble, including receiver Ed Gant, running back Mossis Madu, tight ends Ryan Purvis and Nathan Overbay or safety Ahmad Black. Black has been nursing an ankle injury, so his status is not clear.

In attendance this morning were tight end Daniel Hardy, cornerback Anthony Gaitor, defensive end George Johnson, cornerback D.J. Johnson and -- in a major surprise if he sticks around -- safety Devin Holland.

UPDATE 1:47 p.m.: We've since confirmed Madu and linebacker Derrell Smith were indeed cut and are likely to be added to the Bucs' practice squad when it's assembled on Sunday. Coaches are very high on both players, so it's not out of the question that they could find their way onto the active roster at some point this season.

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